Oil Painting

1995

Length:130.3 x Width:162.2 (cm)

Tseng Hsiao-Te (b. 1952, Nantou) holds a BFA from National Taiwan University of Arts and earned an MFA from National Taiwan Normal University. He has exhibited in major national art shows, including the National Art Exhibition, Tai-Yang Art Exhibition, and Taipei Fine Arts Exhibition, and received the Ministry of Education’s Literary and Artistic Creation Award.
Known for his figurative paintings, Tseng often depicts scenes from everyday life in early Taiwanese fishing villages. His process involves an initial pencil sketch, followed by a pastel color study, and is finalized in oil on canvas. His works are marked by realism and focus on both people and landscapes, using vivid and expressive colors to convey scenes of familiarity and local character.
Waiting (1995) presents a domestic moment within a coastal village setting. At the center, a woman nurses an infant, with a small child nestled closely beside her. A young girl holding a basket stands behind them, her gaze—along with that of a nearby dog—directed toward the distance. In the background, an elderly woman sits quietly, weaving. Fishing boats appear on the horizon, subtly suggesting the absence of the men at sea. The arrangement of figures and their orientation conveys the theme of waiting, echoing the sentiments of the traditional Taiwanese song Wish You Come Back Soon, which served as inspiration for the artist. The work reflects Tseng’s interest in documenting vanishing ways of life, particularly as fishing communities transformed due to shifts in Taiwan’s economy and society during the late 20th century.

Accession number:20220100096